In the present context, curriculum is a programme of the collective activities in a school. It is essential that children receive an education that will equip them for a successful future. Therefore it has to be broad, balanced and based on the individual needs and abilities of each child.
The curriculum being implemented in the school takes care both of the very young age group (3-5 years), and of the older group (6-11 years) according to their capabilities and rate of growth.
In the pre-school group emphasis is on learning through play and informal education. The beginners make a good start and their attainment improves particularly in their personal, social and emotional behaviour. By the end of the year they achieve the targets set for their age.
From class 1 to 5 the basic requirements incorporate the subjects of English, mathematics, Hindi, environmental science, social studies, creative education (art, craft and music), ICT, life skills, and physical education which are considered essential to enable the children to fit into the main stream of education accepted by the national educational policy.
Any other content that we feel is essential is incorporated within the given framework. As an end result we ensure that each child develops a taste for reading and becomes a fluent reader, develops a good handwriting, learns accurate spellings, and is equipped with the basic skills of Mathematics and Science.
MAIN TEACHING SUBJECTS
ENGLISH:
Knowledge of the English language has become a necessary asset for the future of today's children nationally and internationally. At the elementary stage a range of methods, including multisensory approach, are used to teach letter and sound recognition to equip young children with the necessary tools for reading and spelling. ICT is used to enhance learning skills. Activities in reading, writing, handwriting and spelling are provided.
The aim is for all The Junior Study children to be confident and enthusiastic speakers, readers and writers, so we provide a broad range of daily activities for children to develop and apply their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Included in this provision are opportunities for public-speaking and drama activities and reading and writing in different styles and for different purposes.
Hindi:
Most children at the elementary level already know the speaking aspect of the Hindi language. They are taught recognizing, reading and writing the alphabet first with 'matras', and then regular reading of textbooks and writing follow.
Recitation of poems and songs with expression and action and telling small stories is emphasized.
Creativity in their own work is encouraged and guidance in solving their problems is given.
Mathematics:
The curriculum in mathematics is designed to develop skills and understanding that can be used to solve mathematical demands. Emphasis on improving mental mathematical strategies is given. Practical experience is provided along with theory. At The Junior Study, we aim to develop in children a love of numbers and the aspiration to solve problems. As Mathematics is such an important life skill, we are embracing it in a way that equips our children with the skills necessary for life outside the classroom. We use real life situations in order to develop their problem solving capabilities, and we support our teachers to bring creative and progressive lessons into the classroom.
Science:
Science is a broad subject and covers many areas like life processes and living things, our daily needs and physical processes. The content is identified in terms of the life-needs of the children and the needs of the environment, thus making it more relevant and interesting for the children. A number of science activities and experiments are provided from within the familiar surroundings to develop a sense of enquiry and to promote scientific skills. Various experiences (collective and individual) are provided in the classroom, as well as outside the classroom.
Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world's future prosperity, and all pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Social Studies:
Social Studies is the study of human society and social relationships dealing with people living together in groups and families. It cannot be considered in isolation. Therefore history, geography, civics and economics form an integral part of social studies, and are taught as one comprehensive whole. The study of history enables the children to understand the past, and learn about the life and events that happened in that society. Geography explains the influence of physical phenomenon on humans, as also through geography children are initiated to the understanding of the world they live in. Visits to local areas and field trips give a first-hand experience about the environment. Knowledge of the neighbouring states and countries and their people etc. is given to the pupils. Children are initiated into learning about the rights and duties of citizens informally through the content of civics.
ICT:
Information and communication technology is now a mature part of the curriculum. In the early years, the emphasis is on getting children familiar with the technology. Later, pupils will be taught how to use various programs for a particular task and given opportunities to do so. At The Junior Study, we strive to give children the technical knowledge and skills to thrive in the ever-changing technological world.
LIFE SKILLS:
Life skills are abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable us to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life. The term 'Life Skills' refers to the skills you need to make the most out of life. Life skills are usually associated with managing and living a better quality of life. They help us to accomplish our ambitions and live to our full potential. Any skill that is useful in your life can be considered a life skill. Tying your shoelaces, swimming, driving a car and using a computer are, for most people, useful life skills.
Life Skills is learning about right and wrong behaviour. This is done by organizing work and activities of the school to provide the atmosphere and opportunities for the cultivation of values like fearlessness, cleanliness, respect for others, obedience, order, truth, justice, respect for property, love for all etc. Concept of values is also suitably adjusted at places in either formal text or informal activities especially during assembly time etc.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
Physical education is defined as learning to develop and care for the human body through movements produced by skeletal muscles. At The Junior Study, the prime purpose of PE is for all children to develop an understanding of the significant benefits that leading a physically active lifestyle will have on their lives.
Physical Education ensures that pupils lead a healthy lifestyle and develop a taste for sports, games and yoga activities. A sense of team spirit and discipline are inculcated in the children.
Physical activity or exercise can improve children's health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. A number of studies have found that exercise helps depression. Exercise may block negative thoughts or distract people from daily worries.
Exercising with others provides an opportunity for increased social contact. Increased fitness may lift your mood and improve sleep patterns. Exercise may also change levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, endorphins and stress hormones.
ASSESSMENTS
Formal Examinations are not held. Promotion to the next stage depends on the achievement of the basic skills, which children learn through informal and formal education during the year. It is based on a combination of items including pupil participation in class discussions and activities, teacher observations and checklists.
The Junior Study system's success is built on the idea that: "less can be more". This may appear counter-intuitive to many within other educational systems in which standards and effectiveness are measured in standardised data and evidence trails.
Academics isn't all kids need. Kids need so much more. School should
be where we teach the meaning of life; where kids learn they are needed; where they can learn community skills. We like to think that school is also important for developing a good self-image, a strong sensitivity to other people's feelings and understanding it matters to take care of others. We at The Junior Study definitely want to incorporate all those things in education.
A comprehensive progress report is sent to parents at the end of the school year. Without compromising on the method of informal education, by the end of the year the child is expected to know the following:
Nursery
English:
Knowledge of the basic spoken sounds of the alphabet. Phonetic method is applied, which means representing vocal sounds especially for systems of spellings using always the same letter for the same sound. The first stage in reading is phonetic decoding or word attack, commonly known as "sounding out words." This is an important part of early reading experience for many students.
★ Recognition, recitation and formation of small letters (lower case)
★ Recognition and recitation of capital letters (upper case)
★ Sequencing of letters
Number Work:
★ Recognition and recitation of numbers from 0 to 100
★ Writing of numbers from 0 to 50
★ Concept of numbers from 0 to 10
LOWER KINDERGARTEN
English:
★ Placement of the letters in print and cursive hand (small letters), in four lines
★ Sequencing of letters (print and cursive)
★ Reading and writing of simple three letter words
Number Work:
★ Recognition, recitation and writing of numbers from 0 to 100 and other related exercises like what comes before?, what comes after? etc.
★ Recitation and writing of numbers from 30 to 0 (backwards)
★ Addition of one digit sums
Hindi:
★ Recognition, formation and sounds of the Hindi alphabet
★ Reading and writing two letter words without 'matras'
UPPER KINDERGARTEN
English:
★
speaking, reading, writing and dictation
Number Work:
★ Writing from 0 to 20 in number names
★ Simple additions and subtractions
★ times tables of 2 to 5
★ Comparison of numbers
★ Measuring and comparing
Hindi:
★ Introduction to 'matras', reading, writing and dictation. Poems, songs, story-telling, games, etc. are the major activities through which language skills are developed.
CLASSES 1-5
For classes 1-5 assessment is based on the knowledge of the content of the prescribed syllabus of the subjects given under the main teaching subjects. They are also assessed outside the classroom.
